- The seller has a pretty good reputation.- The letter is quite likely real (hard to tell, not being able to see the paper itself to tell if it is 35 years old).- As Parmastahir mentions, this was likely typed up by a secretary, especially given the late date (Tolkien wasn't up to doing all of these sorts of short notes himself in later years.)- It is quite possible that the signature was done by a secretary as well (ghost signature) as the intended recipient would only care that the thought came from JRRT, not a collectible signature.- All handwriting experts who happen by please sign up to be a resident expert.